When you lose a loved one you realise that relationships are much more important than possessions. But we forget that in our scramble to the top of the heap. Being told you've only a short time to live puts you into shock, then re-orders your priorities. It makes you want to fill each precious moment with the words you've left unsaid and the things you've neglected to do. Don't allow self-centredness, masquerading as ambition (or religious zeal!), to keep you from showing love to those who need it. Make that call. Send that email. Buy those flowers. Say, "I love you." In other words, 'be there'. Most of the time people don't need our wise analysis or brilliant answers, they just need our love - and support - and they'll find their own answers.
If you are a leader, you're particularly at risk. Don't sacrifice your family on the altar of your career, or you'll end up with regrets you can't resolve. The son of a well-known missionary stood at his dad's grave without shedding a tear. He told someone, "You never miss what you never had. My dad loved people on the other side of the world, but I'm not sure he loved me." Wake up! The clock's ticking and the days are flying by. Yes, you must fulfil your God-given assignment in life, but not at the cost of the people who matter.
Take a moment and think about these words: "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his...love for him...Then Jonathan said to David...You will be missed, because your seat will be empty (1 Sam 20:17,18 NIV)."